    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book III)]
    [November 27, 2004]
    [Pages 3011-3012]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    The President's Radio Address
    November 27, 2004

        Good morning. As Americans gather to celebrate this week, we show
    our gratitude for the many blessings in our lives. We are grateful for
    our friends and families who fill our lives with purpose and love. We're
    grateful for our beautiful country and for the prosperity we enjoy.
    We're grateful for the chance to live, work, and worship in freedom. And
    in this Thanksgiving week, we offer thanks and praise to the provider of
    all these gifts, Almighty God.
        We also recognize our duty to share our blessings with the least
    among us. Throughout the holiday season, schools, churches, synagogues,
    and other generous organizations gather food and clothing for their
    neighbors in need. Many young people give part of their holiday to
    volunteer at homeless shelters or food pantries. On Thanksgiving and on
    every day of the year, America is a more hopeful nation because of the
    volunteers who serve the weak and the vulnerable.
        The Thanksgiving tradition of compassion and humility dates back to
    the earliest days of our society. And through the years, our deepest
    gratitude has often been inspired by the most difficult times. Almost
    four centuries ago, the pilgrims set aside time to thank God after
    suffering through a bitter winter. George Washington held Thanksgiving
    during a trying stay at Valley Forge. And President Lincoln revived the
    Thanksgiving tradition in the midst of a civil war.
        The past year has brought many challenges to our Nation, and
    Americans have met every one with energy, optimism, and faith. After
    lifting our economy from a recession, manufacturers and entrepreneurs
    are creating jobs again. Volunteers from across the country came
    together to help hurricane victims rebuild. And when the children of
    Beslan, Russia, suffered a brutal terrorist attack, the world saw
    America's generous heart in an outpouring of compassion and relief.
        The greatest challenges of our time have come to the men and women
    who protect our Nation. We're fortunate to have dedicated firefighters
    and police officers to keep our streets safe. We're grateful for the
    homeland security and intelligence personnel who spend long hours on
    faithful watch. And we give thanks to the men and women of our military
    who are serving with courage and skill and making our entire Nation
    proud.
        Like generations before them, today's Armed Forces have liberated
    captive peoples and shown compassion for the suffering and delivered
    hope to the oppressed. In the past year, they have fought the terrorists
    abroad so that we do not have to face those enemies here at home.
    They've captured a brutal dictator, aided last month's historic election
    in Afghanistan, and helped set Iraq on the path to democracy.
        Our progress in the war on terror has made our country safer, yet it
    has also brought new burdens to our military families. Many service men
    and women have endured long deployments and painful separations from
    home. Families have faced the challenge of raising children while
    praying for a loved one's safe return. America is grateful to all our
    military families, and the families mourning a terrible loss this
    Thanksgiving can know that America will honor their sacrifices forever.
        As Commander in Chief, I've been honored to thank our troops at
    bases around the world, and I've been inspired by the efforts of private
    citizens to express their own gratitude. This month, I met Shauna
    Fleming, a 15-year-old from California who
    coordinated the mailing of a million thank

    [[Page 3012]]

    you letters to military personnel. In October, I met Ken
    Porwoll, a World War II veteran who has devoted
    years of his retirement to volunteering at a VA medical center in
    Minneapolis. And we've seen the generosity of so many organizations like
    Give2theTroops, a group started in a basement by a mother and son that
    has sent thousands of care packages to troops in the field.
        Thanksgiving reminds us that America's true strength is the
    compassion and decency of our people. I thank all those who volunteer
    this season, and Laura and I wish every American
    a happy and safe Thanksgiving weekend.
        Thank you for listening.

    Note: The address was recorded at approximately 7:15 a.m. on November 26
    at the Bush Ranch in Crawford, TX, for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on
    November 27. The transcript was made available by the Office of the
    Press Secretary on November 26 but was embargoed for release until the
    broadcast. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish
    language transcript of this address. The Thanksgiving Day proclamation
    of November 23 is listed in Appendix D at the end of this volume.